LEO HOROSCOPE

It’s never a good idea to treat yourself as the exception to a rule that you expect others to follow. It’s the sort of double standard that can come around and bite you in the derriere which is why it’s a good idea to take a long hard look at the sermon you’re preaching. Those feelings of self-righteousness, exemption, or privilege are pumping you up and planting the seeds to what could be a nasty plummet in the weeks to come. Hold yourself to the same standard that you hold everyone else (even if you don't think you have to) and you can’t go wrong.

The problem with believing people who only tell you what you want to hear is that you're the one who pays for it in the end. This is something that will be made abundantly clear when Mercury in Scorpio forms a square to Pluto in Aquarius on October 7th. You know you've no one but yourself to blame, but blame isn't going to help you; however, facing hard truths will. What you'll discover is that you're a lot more capable of handling things now that you know what's really going on. Not only are you braver than you gave yourself credit for; you're shrewder too.

It's a good idea to follow others' lead because they see the way ahead more clearly than you. Whether it's retreating instead of advancing, cutting losses, or holding your cards instead of playing them – the First Quarter Moon in Capricorn on September 29th shows that the counsel you're receiving from colleagues is wise. You may have qualms about what they say and the way they say it, but what you need now is truth; not flattery. The whole point of listening is to try something new and different because to carry on as is would only lead you back to the corner you're trying to escape.

Mars, planet of strife, moves into that part of your solar chart that pertains to house and home on September 22d. Life with family members has been strained and this could transform what's left of your peaceful sanctuary into an occupied territory. Since you know you can't win you might as well let loved ones know where you stand. Tell them you don't appreciate their bitchy asides, the free-floating anger, and the way you're made to feel like you have to walk around on eggshells. Yes, they'll be upset, but at least you'll get tensions out in the open where they can be addressed.

It costs more to make more. That doesn't always translate to a Leo because you expect to keep the money you make. It's like being awarded a ribbon for coming in first. Keeping the money you make is the crowning achievement for working hard, but that's not the way money works. Money is like a piece of land that needs to be gardened or a house that requires upkeep. It's a constant endeavor. It's hard to see now when the Sun is being eclipsed by the Moon, but once you get used to your new lifestyle you'll see for yourself that you're actually coming out ahead.

You're wondering if your efforts will ever pay off? This week's Lunar Eclipse shows that you're still financially beholden to somebody else and it's depressing. But if you remember how J.K. Rowling (another Leo), was on unemployment while writing the Harry Potter books, then you can see where narrowing your focus and getting up every morning to do what you do is better than caving into anxiety and fear. After all: where would J.K. Rowling be if all she did was wring her hands with worry? Invest energy in a project or enterprise and it will result in you becoming financially self-sufficient ten months from now.

You won't like the backslide that accompanies Saturn's retrograde into Pisces on September 1st. You had just begun to enjoy life free of being under somebody else's thumb so this return to a situation where you're once again beholden won't sit well with you. Nevertheless this is your life for the next 5 ½ months. Since you're stuck reliving something you thought you had escaped, it's best to focus on keeping your head down and counting the days. This won't last forever. Stay non-committal, remember to smile and nod in all the right places, and you should emerge from this period no worse for wear.

Venus in Leo on August 25th introduces a mentor, coach, or teacher into your orbit. Many of us don't recognize the potential we carry inside which is why it's always exciting to meet someone who does. This shows all the signs of an exciting and creative collaboration if you're willing to put in the time and energy. You won't see immediate results, but the plus side to Venus forming a trine to Saturn on the same day is in its longevity and sustained effort. Keep these two things in mind and you'll accomplish more under this person's tutelage than you ever would have imagined possible.

You were born in Summer, the season of abundance. We often associate Summer with taking things at a relaxed pace, however Summer is also connected to the harvest and no sign knows this better than your succedent sign Virgo. Harvesting was always regarded as a bit of a hectic time in previous eras because it was a race against time to gather all the fruit, vegetables, and wheat before they spoiled beneath the Sun's rays. This will be your life for the next 4 weeks. Yes, you'll be exhausted by the end of it but you'll also be happy with the bumper crop you take in.

Mercury out of retrograde on August 11th is good news for Leo people waiting to hear back about an offer, bid, or sale. However, terms may also have changed without you knowing it – like baggage in the overhead bins shifting in flight. What this means is you need to double-check all the details and fine print. Mercury retrogrades are famous for introducing subtle changes in wording or added clauses camouflaged in technical sounding jargon. You don't want to wind up agreeing to – or signing on for – something that wasn't part of the original deal. If you don't check then you'll only have yourself to blame.